The biggest investment in the history of the municipality.

The town of Ankaran is set to unveil its most ambitious urban development project yet, with plans to launch a public competition for the redesign of its central area by early September. The initiative aims to transform Ankaran into a modern coastal hub on Slovenia’s Istrian peninsula, connecting green spaces with the sea through a comprehensive redevelopment plan. According to officials, the project will include a central promenade linking the existing settlement core to the coastline, along with new cultural facilities, local government buildings, elderly care centers, underground parking, and dedicated cycling infrastructure. The municipality has emphasized the importance of preserving the area's identity and natural quality while integrating essential public services. The proposed development covers areas both above and below the Adriatic Highway. The upper section includes the town center, featuring the main square, which will be the focus of architectural proposals. Below the highway lies the current site of a tourist camp operated by the company Adria Ankaran. The municipality intends to relocate some of these activities to the eastern part of the camp and has offered an alternative location on the Debeli Rtič area. This relocation requires resolving property ownership issues, which have already been addressed this year by the municipality and the Ministry of Interior. The competition will involve evaluating design submissions from architects and planners, with a panel led by Swiss architect Max Bosshard overseeing the process. Bosshard highlighted the challenge of creating a diverse spatial layout ranging from forested green belts to the seaside. He noted the complexity of the task for participants and members of the jury, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions that balance environmental preservation with urban functionality. The mayor of Ankaran, Gregor Strmčnik, described the project as a unique opportunity to shape the future of the town. The municipality is seeking expert solutions to accommodate key public programs, with the Slovenian Association of Architects and Spatial Planners monitoring the selection of the best ideas throughout the process. The central promenade is envisioned as the main feature of the redesign, serving as a link between the settlement and the sea. Designers have also proposed the construction of an underground garage and prioritized the development of cycling paths. The relocation of the tourist camp presents challenges for the company Adria Ankaran, which operates the facility. Maja Gros, a representative of the company, stressed the importance of open dialogue and constructive search for appropriate solutions during the transition period. She acknowledged the need for collaboration between the municipality and private stakeholders to ensure a smooth shift of operations to the Debeli Rtič area. The evaluation committee held its first meeting at the municipal building earlier this week. The group consists of experts who will assess the submitted designs based on criteria including sustainability, integration with the environment, and functional efficiency. The competition is expected to attract international attention, given the involvement of renowned professionals such as Bosshard. The final selection of the winning proposal will determine the direction of Ankaran’s urban landscape for years to come. The project marks a significant step in the evolution of Ankaran, aiming to create a cohesive and sustainable coastal community. With the competition scheduled to begin in early September, the municipality is preparing detailed guidelines for participants to ensure clarity and consistency in their submissions. The outcome of the contest will influence not only the immediate transformation of the town center but also the broader vision for Ankaran’s future development.